Picture of the day - December 9, 2005

"See Rock City" Birdhouse

If you have ever traveled along Interstates 40 and 75 between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, you have probably seen the ubiquitous "See Rock City" advertisements that are painted on barns and signs all up and down the highway. Well, yesterday we passed a house near Jonesborough, TN that demonstrated a new twist on the "See Rock City" ads. Hanging in a tree in the front yard was a birdhouse with "See Rock City" painted on it. What I find interesting about this particular advertisement is that the homeowner apparently paid Rock City for the privilege of displaying an ad for them - usually it's the other way around. Now that's what I call a cost-effective marketing campaign! Rock City has been a very innovative advertiser for decades. In fact, I remember seeing their ads on the sides and roofs of barns ever since I was a small child. And why not? After all, barns make unique and easy-to-see billboards. Pay the owners a small monthly fee and rake in the cash. It's a true win-win proposition. But the guy or gal who came up with the idea to sell birdhouses with the "See Rock City" advertisement on them was an absolute genius. Those ads are even better than free since Rock City earns money from the sale of the birdhouses. Advertising aside, Rock City really is an amazing place to visit. Located just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City sits right on top the ultra-popular Lookout Mountain where you can actually see into seven states while standing in one spot! If you're a nature buff, you're sure to enjoy the beautiful gardens and massive ancient rock formations that give Rock City its name. Rock City is easy to find...simply head towards Chattanooga and sooner or later you'll begin to see the ads imploring you to "See Rock City"! Picture Of The Day Homepage | Submit a photo More Interesting Articles